Noise levels at 10-year high during visarjans

Noise levels in certain residential areas of Mumbai were the highest in 10 years on the fifth day of Ganpati immersions on Sunday.

Noise levels in certain residential areas of Mumbai were the highest in 10 years on the fifth day of Ganpati immersions on Sunday.

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Data compiled by Awaaz Foundation, a non-government organisation (NGO), found noise levels at a deafening 115 decibels (dB) from drums and loudspeakers in Dadar, Worli and Opera House junction during the immersions. Even the average noise levels in the city rose to 95dB from 85dB last year.

In residential areas, the permissible noise level is 45dB during the night and 40dB in silence zones. “Fire-crackers cross the noise levels of 120-125dB.

But 115dB from musical instruments is the highest we have recorded in the past 10 years,” said Sumaira Abdudali, convener of Awaaz.

This year, the state has allo-wed the use of Indian musical instruments through the night on immersion days. There is no provision in the rules to impose a ban on using such instruments.